(Montreal) The Montreal Alouettes played their Saturday night game against the BC Lions wearing their retro uniform, covered in red, similar to that of the New England Patriots. However, instead of looking to the past, the team should instead think about the future. Because time is running out.
The atmosphere was gloomy in the locker room after a 34 to 25 loss. The morale of the troops was at its lowest. Faces were long and heads were low.
The loss was their second in two weeks. Obviously, several factors can explain this defeat. However, head coach Jason Maas admitted responsibility at the end of the game: “It’s hard to win games with field goals,” Maas said, a little on edge. Our attack in the paid zone is not very good. She wasn’t tonight and she wasn’t this season. And it starts with me. I have to be better and call better games. »
However, Maas cannot put on his cleats and shoulder pads and play for his players. His protege Cody Fajardo had another roller coaster night. Unfortunately for the Alouettes, the quarterback was particularly ineffective in the paying zone. In three visits inside the enemy 20, the Als haven’t converted a single touchdown. They also missed two two-point conversions after touchdowns from Austin Mack and William Stanback.
Despite passing 19 of 27 for 241 yards, Fajardo looks uncomfortable behind his line of scrimmage. And for good reason. The offensive line allowed five more sacks. The quarterback was forced to throw two interceptions. Every week, the same story repeats itself.
The offensive line weakened as the game progressed, Fajardo had less and less time to finish the plays and kicker David Côté finished the job leaving four points on the field. Thus is written the narrative framework of almost each of the five defeats of the Alouettes since the beginning of the campaign.
“We’re trying to find answers. We can certainly be better. I know it,” Fajardo explained.
The Alouettes nevertheless keep their winning record, with 6 wins in 11 games. Most of the time, the Montrealers were saved by their versatility. When the attack was weak, the defense took over. And vice versa. However, against the Lions, the two units were not up to scratch.
Opposing quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was back in town where he spent seven seasons. And he was splendid. With 306 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and 54 rushing yards, Adams played like the up-and-coming quarterback he was.
“I feel so good,” Adams said with his son at his feet on the court. This is my second home here. It means a lot to me. I missed the atmosphere. »
However, the Alouettes’ defense was unable to reproduce its exploits from the last game against the Blue Bombers.
“They were a good team,” conceded safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy. They made big plays at key times. We have to give them the credit, and we weren’t disciplined enough today. »
On long deep passes, Kabion Ento went straight through in the first quarter and Raheem Wilson, late in the game, was unable to intercept a ball that passed through his hands.
This kind of detail prevented the Alouettes’ defensive unit from lighting a spark, as it has done many times this season. At the same time, the attack must also, in turn, be able to carry the team.
Even if the Alouettes’ offense does not offer the expected return, the organization can be delighted with the emergence of Austin Mack. The 26-year-old American was like a shock at a time in the game when the team’s vital signs were at their lowest.
Early in the third quarter, Mack caught a 31-yard pass, diving forward deep in the end zone while maintaining possession. The kind of game that will make headlines.
“It was beautiful, yes, but we lost. We have to regroup and be more efficient in the paid area, ”acknowledged the main interested party.
This touchdown allowed the locals to take the lead 18 to 17. Then, the crowd, silent for two quarters, got into the game.
If many observers saw Greg Ellingson, who played his first game Saturday, as Fajardo’s target of choice, there is no doubt now. The former Ohio State is his trusted man.
With his 7 receptions and 143 yards, Mack is getting more and more confident. Even if the defeat seems to hit him more than the majority of his teammates.
He is still establishing himself as one of the best receivers in the Canadian League.
“I am [the best],” he said before leaving the field.
Four former members of the Alouettes organization were celebrated during halftime of Saturday’s game. Players Josh Bourke and John Bowman and builders Larry Smith and Jacques Dussault will soon be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Despite half-hearted applause during his presentation, Dussault delivered an encouraging message about the future of Quebec football, which managed to get the crowd going: “I’m going there to represent the players and coaches of Quebec. It is an exceptional family. Football is the most beautiful sport in the world and Quebec football is healthy! »
